FDA gives full approval to Pfizer vaccine

Governor recommends everyone in state get vaccinated

DES MOINES - Today, the FDA authorized full approval for one COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older.

“The FDA's full approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine offers Iowans and Americans who've not yet been vaccinated the assurance they need to do so now," stated Governor Reynolds. "The vaccine is the best defense against the virus, and it's been proven highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death, even against variants. Vaccine is widely available in the state, and I encourage all eligible Iowans to get vaccinated as soon as possible."

The Comirnaty vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

Vaccine supply in the state is stable and vaccine appointments are readily available statewide. We encourage anyone with questions to reach out to their health care provider. 

More than 3 million doses of vaccine have been administered in Iowa and more than 1.5 million Iowans are fully vaccinated. For more information about vaccination in Iowa or to find a vaccine provider near you, visit vaccinateiowa.gov.